Review

Franz Schubert
Impromptu Op.90, No.3:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Schubert’s Impromptu comes from a series of four Impromptu for piano solo. Composed in 1827, the same year as the composer’s famous song cycle, Winterreise and just a year before his untimely death, we find Schubert in his prime. This work features his characteristic lyrical and harmonic qualities. Veteran trombonist and arranger Ralph Sauer has adapted this wonderful work for either bass trombone or tuba solo with piano accompaniment. Mr. Sauer retains the composer’s original key of g-flat major and modifies the meter signature from the original 4/2 to a more accessible 4/4. Aside from the slightly novel key center, this work should present few technical challenges for most trombonists or tubists, allowing the performer to concentrate on melodic expression. With a duration of about seven minutes, this work is appropriate not only for recitals, but in other settings such as religious services or other presentations where one might require an appealing, accessible work of short duration. Mr. Sauer and Cherry Classics provide two versions, one for tenor trombone and one for tuba or bass trombone. Neither version presents endurance challenges for most performers; tenor trombonists might even want to consider using the tuba edition for low register melodic practice. Computer generated parts are legible and available either by traditional shipping or PDF download.

-Wayne Groves
Orquesta Sinfónica de Aguascalientes